This involves harming a child's sense of self. It includes acts (or omissions) that result in, or place a child at risk of, serious behavioural, cognitive, emotional or mental health problems. It is considered a pattern of behaviour that can seriously interfere with a child's positive development. Emotional abuse is probably the least understood of all child abuse, yet it is the most prevalent. (Department of Justice Canada, 2007).

Physical Indicators

Cuts and burns through self-inflicted injury

Bed-wetting

Speech disorders (stuttering/stammering)

Disruptive behaviour

Eating disorders including either obesity or anorexia

Behavioural Indicators

Acting inappropriate to age: younger or older

Low self esteem

Depression

Suicide attempts

Sleeping disorders

Unusual fearfulness

Obsessive compulsive behaviour

Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking etc.)

Behavioural extremes such as overly compliant to demanding; withdrwand to aggressive; listless to

excitable

These children are usually prone to prostitution or suicidal attempts due to low self esteem and depression

Outcomes

Insecurity, poor self-esteem, destructive behaviour, angry acts (such as fire or cruelty to animals), withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide and difficulty forming relationships can all be results of emotional abuse.